The endothelium is vital to the maintenance of vascular health. It is a critical determinant of vascular tone and patency, reactivity, inflammation, vascular remodeling, and blood fluidity. (9, 10). Nitric oxide (NO) is the most potent vasodilator and is secreted by the endothelium. It is synthesized from Larginine by the endothelial enzyme NO synthase (eNOS). NO released in response to sexual stimulation relaxes penile vascular smooth muscle by increasing intracellular cyclic 3′, 5′-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentration. Vasodilatation of erectile tissues allows the sinusoidal spaces to fill with blood resulting in the attainment and maintenance of an erection (5).
Over the years, myriad treatments and gadgets have been invented to assist with issues related to erections. They run the gamut from vacuum pumps to constriction bands, surgical implants, male hormone therapy, herbal supplements (ginkgo biloba, saw palmetto, L- arginine, and yohimbe), and even shock-wave therapy. Lifestyle changes include: increasing exercise, decrease smoking, losing weight, and eating healthier. More natural alternative treatments include acupuncture and watermelon juice. In her hilarious and informative book entitled Bonk, researcher Mary Roach explores coupling of science and sex, and dedicates a couple of chapters to in-depth analysis of erectile dysfunction treatments.

Yohimbine may be stacked with other supplements to improve erection quality and/or expedite fat loss. If you're consuming yohimbine to improve your erection quality, then stack it with horny goat weed. [3] Animal models support a yohimbine dose of 0.2mg/kg of bodyweight stacked with a 55 to 110mg dose of horny goat weed to significantly increases erection strength. [16]

Just because a product claims to be natural doesn't mean it's safe. Many herbal remedies and dietary supplements can cause side effects and dangerous interactions when taken with certain medications. Talk to your doctor before you try an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction — especially if you're taking medications or you have a chronic health problem such as heart disease or diabetes.
The endothelium is vital to the maintenance of vascular health. It is a critical determinant of vascular tone and patency, reactivity, inflammation, vascular remodeling, and blood fluidity. (9, 10). Nitric oxide (NO) is the most potent vasodilator and is secreted by the endothelium. It is synthesized from Larginine by the endothelial enzyme NO synthase (eNOS). NO released in response to sexual stimulation relaxes penile vascular smooth muscle by increasing intracellular cyclic 3′, 5′-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentration. Vasodilatation of erectile tissues allows the sinusoidal spaces to fill with blood resulting in the attainment and maintenance of an erection (5).

Because the study included only subjects with dyslipidemia, the results may not be applicable to those with ED who have a normal serum lipid profile. Furthermore, patients using aspirin or NSAIDs were excluded to avoid the effect of these drugs in inhibiting prostaglandin D production, which may be one of the potential mechanisms for the effects of niacin on ED. It should be noted that it is quite common for ED patients to have coexisting cardiovascular disease that requires the use of aspirin. Therefore, further study on the interaction of aspirin and niacin in ED patients may be needed to establish the role of niacin in clinical usage.

With an inflatable implant, fluid-filled cylinders are placed lengthwise in the penis. Tubing joins these cylinders to a pump placed inside the scrotum (between the testicles). When the pump is engaged, pressure in the cylinders inflate the penis and makes it stiff. Inflatable implants make a normal looking erection and are natural feeling for your partner. Your surgeon may suggest a lubricant for your partner. With the implant, men can control firmness and, sometimes, the size of the erection. Implants allows a couple to be spontaneously intimate. There is generally no change to a man's feeling or orgasm.
The Medline (Pubmed) electronic database was searched (from June 1972 to November 2010) for systematic reviews that evaluated the effects of therapeutic exercise on ED. The key words and search terms used to develop the search strategy for each of these databases included: exercise therapy, aerobic exercise, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation exercise, impotence and erectile dysfunction. In addition, the electronic searches were supplemented by checking the reference lists of any relevant identified articles.
Hypovitaminosis may occur due to adherence to a monotonous diet that implies refined grain products’ eating; excessive consumption of carbohydrates and proteins; chronic alcoholism; abuse of beer; sufficient and long-term consumption of raw fish (carp and herring); heavy physical work and nervous tension; exposure to heat or cold; chronic bowel disorders; diabetes; and thyrotoxicosis. The symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency include decreased appetite, nausea, constipation, headaches, irritability, memory loss, peripheral polyneuritis, tachycardia, labored breathing, precordialgia, and muscle weakness.
Most studies related to male infertility show a clear concise relationship between zinc and ed. During a study some young men were given a diet which included very little amounts of zinc and thus they developed a zinc deficiency. When testosterone levels were measured after 20 weeks of low-zinc diet it was found that the level of the hormone had drastically reduced. The study also found that in elderly men, with an increase in the uptake of zinc, testosterone levels nearly doubled.
However, for most men who experience erectile dysfunction, their overall experience can be improved even further through regular exercise. There are many reasons why exercise improves sexual satisfaction. For one thing, regular, sustained exercise can lead to the release of chemicals called endorphins that are responsible for the so-called runner’s high, and which stimulate the release of sex hormones. Exercise also generally improves mood and imparts a sense of calm afterward, with lower heart rate, lower blood pressure, better digestion, and lower levels of stress hormones.
Aerobic exercises and pelvic floor exercises are two of the best methods to start with. As a matter of fact, you can see improvements on your condition without having to witness the side effects of other male enhancement products. For one, there are certain male enhancement products which should not be taken if you are suffering from other types of medical condition. For instance, if the product contains substances that may react to the male enhancement ingredients of a product, you may suffer from certain consequences.

I recently treated a young twenty-something man with a primary complaint of erectile dysfunction. When he started to notice this issue, he attempted to treat it by performing lots of kegels. (If you haven’t heard of kegel exercises, they’re done by repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles that form part of the pelvic floor, as if you were trying to stop peeing mid-stream.) I found this man’s story interesting because, as we discovered, in his case the kegels actually did more harm than good. We found that once he stopped kegeling and allowed his pelvic muscles to relax, his erections became stronger and he was able to ejaculate without any issues.

Long considered an aphrodisiac by the Chinese, ginseng may do more than just rev your engine. A 2013 South Korean study found that taking the herb for just a few weeks improved guys’ performance in the bedroom, including helping them last longer before finishing. Meanwhile, a study in Spermatogenesis found that ginseng can also help make for harder, longer-lasting erections and improve testosterone levels, which in turn boosts libido. “Ginseng is a promising herbal therapy for ED because it helps promote relaxation of smooth muscle in the penis, increase dopamine levels in the brain, and increase pressure in the cavernosal nerves of the penis which helps nitric oxide synthesis,” Walker explains.

"The good news is, our study also found that a large proportion of men were naturally overcoming erectile dysfunction issues. The remission rate of those with erectile dysfunction was 29%, which is very high. This shows that many of these factors affecting men are modifiable, offering them an opportunity to do something about their condition," Professor Wittert says.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) is irreplaceable if you wish to increase life expectancy. Vitamin B5 has a positive impact on the nervous system and intestinal motility. Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5 that has a powerful anabolic effect, enhances the synthesis of steroid hormones, and takes part in the synthesis of coenzyme A. In addition, calcium pantothenate helps release energy from foods. So, to a large extent, it improves your body’s endurance and stamina, as well as increases human tolerance to different loads.

A study of 23 individuals found that a dose of 0.4mg/kg of yohimbine not only increased norepinephrine in the blood, blood pressure, and heart rate, but it also increases impulsive response rates. These response rates are measured by the number of impulsive errors, response biases, and reaction times on an immediate memory task. [10] While yohimbine may improve your reaction time it may also encourage you to act irrationally.

Twenty-one men were screened. Two were rejected because they had normal results on nocturnal penile study, and one man was excluded from the study because of a protocol violation. Eighteen men completed the study. The mean age of the men was 60.2 y (range, 34–69 y). The mean duration of erectile dysfunction was 3.1 y (range, 1–10 y). All men were in stable heterosexual relationships. The listed medical risk factors for erectile dysfunction were hypertension in nine men, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in seven, single offending medication in seven (mostly beta-blockers), multiple medications in five, diabetes mellitus in four (one with neuropathy), venous leakage in two, and peripheral vascular insufficiency in one.
Diet and lifestyle changes should come first when treating male sexual dysfunction. Any man experiencing erectile dysfunction should see a doctor right away to determine the cause and to diagnose any underlying health condition that may be contributing to this issue. Herbs can be a great way to support a man experiencing any type of sexual dysfunction. In the case of impotence, Yohimbe may be a great help support to the body when working to support a man through this very difficult reproductive issue.
Science is always on the search for the magic bullet for our sexual health problems – that female Viagra. Most women, however, experience poor sexual desire alongside other issues like PMS and fatigue. The solution requires a holistic approach. I want women to start by feeling good every day, in everything they do, as it’s then that you will find you have the ability to feel great about sex.

Depending on dosage, yohimbine can either increase or decrease blood pressure Small doses can increase blood pressure. Higher doses can lead to a potentially dangerous drop in blood pressure. Higher doses of oral yohimbine may have numerous side effects, such as rapid heart rate, overstimulation, unusual blood pressure, cold sweating, and insomnia.

Although not proven, it is likely that erectile dysfunction can be prevented by good general health, paying particular attention to body weight, exercise, and cigarette smoking. For example, heart disease and diabetes are problems that can cause erectile dysfunction, and both are preventable through lifestyle changes such as sensible eating and regular exercise. Furthermore, early diagnosis and treatment of associated conditions like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol may prevent or delay erectile dysfunction, or stop the erectile dysfunction from getting more serious.

There have been only a few well-controlled studies to test the effects of herbal yohimbe (as opposed to medications) on humans. There’s some evidence that yohimbine has potential to enhance the nitric oxide pathway, helping to bring blood flow to the corpus cavernosum tissue of the penis. It may also stimulate the pelvic nerve ganglia and boost adrenaline supply to nerve endings. It seems to have the most effects overall when combined with other treatments or herbal remedies. (6) One study that evaluated the effects of yohimbe on ED found that those taking the herbal remedy experienced slight benefits compared to a control group that was not taking the supplement.
Magnesium helps regulate levels of calcium, zinc, and other vitamins and minerals. It also helps the body produce energy and contributes to proper organ function. Most people don’t develop a genuine magnesium deficiency, even if they don’t get enough of the mineral in their diets, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A true magnesium deficiency, however, may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Research in the medical journal Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine found that supplementing with the mineral zinc, along with the vitamins folic acid and biotin, as well as the herb Rhodiola rosea improved ejaculatory control in males suffering from premature ejaculation. Premature ejaculation is a common type of sexual dysfunction that affects 20 to 30 percent of men between the ages of 18 and 55. The low incidence of any side-effects of these natural treatments may also make it preferable to drug treatments by many men.
In fact, dyslipidemia is commonly found in ED patients, and studies show that statins can help to improve the response of PDE5 inhibitors in those suffering from ED precisely because they improve atherosclerosis. Consequently, statins can be used as a treatment in patients with an unsatisfactory response to PDE5 inhibitors, yet there are problems with statins too, among them raised liver enzymes and muscle problems, some of which can be quite serious and even deadly (rhabdomylosis).
Over 18 million American men over 20 years old suffer from erectile dysfunction, a condition characterized by the inability to keep an erection. It’s a complex disorder brought on by a number of factors, but it’s almost always devastating for the man it affects — causing him to lose confidence in himself and different aspects of his life. The stress it causes can deteriorate relationships and lead to lost productivity at work. Health problems aren’t uncommon either. But there’s good news in all the bad; a new study finds exercise may be a simple way to get things going under the sheets again.
Yohimbine may be stacked with other supplements to improve erection quality and/or expedite fat loss. If you're consuming yohimbine to improve your erection quality, then stack it with horny goat weed. [3] Animal models support a yohimbine dose of 0.2mg/kg of bodyweight stacked with a 55 to 110mg dose of horny goat weed to significantly increases erection strength. [16]
A physical exam checks your total health. Examination focusing on your genitals (penis and testicles) is often done to check for ED. Based on your age and risk factors, the exam may also focus on your heart and blood system: heart, peripheral pulses and blood pressure. Based on your age and family history your doctor may do a rectal exam to check the prostate. These tests are not painful. Most patients do not need a lot of testing before starting treatment.
Yohimbe goes by many names depending on how it’s sold. These include Yohimbehe, Yocon, Yohimex, Johime, Aphrodien and Corynine. Do any yohimbe supplements actually work to help treat sexual problems like impotence, or other conditions? Study results have been somewhat mixed. But there’s some evidence that they may help these conditions. It’s especially helpful when combined with other substances that promote better flow and higher energy levels, such as L-arginine. (3)
Yohimbine. This chemical is found in the bark of an African tree called yohimbe. It has been used as a male aphrodisiac in Africa, and under medical supervision it has been used as a prescription drug to treat ED. Supplements made from yohimbe bark are also available without a prescription, but they can be life-threatening if used at high doses, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. The supplement can interact in a harmful way with certain drugs, such as blood pressure medications, and should be avoided by anyone with liver, kidney, heart, or diabetes problems or problems with anxiety or depression. Like DHEA, yohimbine should not be taken without a doctor's supervision.
Yohimbe is usually taken orally, but it may also be administered intravenously for certain cases. Weight is also sometimes used as a guide to determine the dosage of this supplement. A 150-pound (lb.) person should take roughly 14 mg of yohimbe per day, while those who weigh 200 lbs. and 250 lbs. should take around 18 mg and 22 mg yohimbe, respectively.
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content.

In a 2005 study, three months of twice-daily sets of kegel exercises combined with biofeedback and advice on lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and limiting alcohol, worked far better than just giving the participants advice. “Wearing tight pants will affect impotence along with some other medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease,” which can also affect a man’s degree of impotence, Dr. Jennifer Burns, specializing in family practice with an emphasis on gastrointestinal health at the BienEtre Center, told Medical Daily.

Sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil increase the amount of nitric oxide in your body. Your body contains nitric oxide naturally, which is a gas that relaxes blood vessels. Medications to treat erectile dysfunction relax blood vessels in a man’s penis to help obtain and maintain an erection. Some medications that treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease also relax your blood vessels. If you take niacin while you also take medications to treat erectile dysfunction, your blood pressure could drop drastically. You could faint or develop other health problems.
When a man becomes sexually excited, muscles in their penis relax. This relaxation allows for increased blood flow through the penile arteries. This blood fills two chambers inside the penis called the corpora cavernosa. As the chambers fill with blood, the penis grows rigid. Erection ends when the muscles contract and the accumulated blood can flow out through the penile veins.
Science is always on the search for the magic bullet for our sexual health problems – that female Viagra. Most women, however, experience poor sexual desire alongside other issues like PMS and fatigue. The solution requires a holistic approach. I want women to start by feeling good every day, in everything they do, as it’s then that you will find you have the ability to feel great about sex.
Certain drugs can also deplete zinc levels, including: ACE inhibitors, thiazide diuretics and acid-reducing drugs like Prliosec and Pepcid. Eating a high grain diet in which the grains have not been pre-soaked or sprouted, can also inhibit the uptake of zinc in the body, due to the phytic acid content. Soaking or sprouting grains and rinsing off the soak-water prior to cooking significantly reduces the phytic acid content in grains.
1. Increased Blood Flow in Men with Lower Niacin Levels. Of course, there is a lot to an erection, but I think just about everyone would agree that the #1 goal is to increase something called endothelial function. The endothelium is the delicate lining of the arteries that pumps out nitric oxide and relaxes the arteries. And, of course, a relaxed, i.e. more open artery is one that allows more blood to flow into your arm, your leg or your brain. And I'm sure I don't need to explain why increased blood flow into your penile arteries is critical for erectile strength.
All hormone determinations were performed by radioimmunoassay using kits provided by commercial suppliers. All blood samples were drawn between 8 am and 1 pm, quickly spun down, frozen, and then stored. All determinations were performed at the same time after the end of the study. The serum LH kit was obtained from Nichols Institute (now Quest; Tarzana, CA, USA) (normal male range, 1.4–11.1 mIU/ml). The serum free testosterone kit was obtained from Diagnostic Products Corporation (DPC, Los Angeles, USA) (normal male range, 15–40 pg/ml). The serum cortisol kit was bought from DPC (normal morning range, 10–24 mcg/dl; normal afternoon range, 5–12 mcg/dl). The serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate kit was obtained from DPC (normal range, 150–350 mcg/dl from adolescence to the peak at age 50 y, with a progressive decrease with advancing years).
Associated risks/scrutiny: “A dose of yohimbine that’s too big could drop your blood pressure, cause dizziness, facial flushing and nausea,” warns Fratellone. Yohimbine and yohimbe bark may also increase heart rate and raise blood pressure. “No one should experiment with herbs without talking to their doctor,” reminds Fratellone. “If you’re taking Flomax and you start taking yohimbe, you’re going to dilate your penal vessels and you’ll pee more.” Other potential interactions between yohimbe and other drugs and herbs should be considered. Some of these combinations may be dangerous.

A complete sexual behavioral cycle of males involved pre sexual performances, copulation and ultimate ejaculation. Pre sexual behavior comprises physical contact with the female, sniffing and licking of female genital area, licking of their own penis, and few mounts without intromissions. Although all induced females were screened for receptivity, some females showed a mild rejection in the beginning. However, there were no rejections when they were coupled with very active males. All animals which completed the behavioral cycle showed a normal pattern of behavior (not an aberrant sexual behaviour) during the observation period.

A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility that analyzed the effect of various fruit and vegetables on sperm quality discovered carrots had the best all-around results on sperm count and motility—a term used to describe the ability of sperm to swim towards an egg. Men who ate the most carrots saw improved sperm performance by 6.5 to 8 percent. The Harvard researchers attribute the boost to carotenoids, powerful antioxidative compounds in carrots that help the body make vitamin A.

But in this case, zinc is much harder to absorb. This explains a decrease in testosterone levels in vegetarians. Slippery jack mushrooms, button mushrooms, beef liver, and fish are also rich in zinc. They are followed by breadstuffs, egg yolk, rabbit, chicken, beans, tea, and cocoa. In addition, zinc is found in onions, garlic, and rice. And a very small amount of zinc is available in fruits, vegetables, and milk.